South Africa pacer Anrich Nortje has been ruled out of the remaining last match of the ongoing five-match One-Day International (ODI) series against Australia due to a lower back injury, Cricket South Africa (CSA) confirmed on Friday.
“The 29-year-old underwent scans and consulted with a specialist this week, and will start bowling again this weekend under the supervision of the Proteas medical team. A further update will be provided in due course,” CSA said in a statement.
CSA however, didn’t named any replacement for Nortje.
Meanwhile, South Africa’s in-form skipper Temba Bavuma is also missing the ongoing fourth ODI, currently underway at Centurion, with a right adductor strain and his participation in the final game looks uncertain.
Aiden Markram, who is currently leading the hosts in the fourth ODI in the absence of Bavuma, will once again have to perform the role of skipper in the fifth ODI if the regular skipper misses out.
“ODI captain Temba Bavuma is unavailable for selection for the fourth ODI at SuperSport Park, Centurion on Friday. Bavuma has a right adductor strain and as a precautionary measure, he has been ruled out of the match,” CSA said.
After losing the T20 series 0-3, hosts South Africa are trailing 1-2 in the five-match ODI series and needs to win the ongoing game to keep the series alive.